How to Gather Evidence in a Custody Case
By Editorial Team
When gathering evidence in a custody case, it is important to keep records, take photos and focus on evidence that will show that the other parent is not as good a parent as you.
Step 1
Hire an attorney so you can be sure your evidence will be admitted in court. If you do not have an attorney, hire one for a few hours to explain your state's rules of evidence to you. The rules of evidence are very complicated and sometimes do not seem logical.
Step 2
Understand that the more evidence you have that shows bad things about the other parent's parenting skills, the more likely it is you will win.
Read More: How to Prove a Parent Unfit in Child Custody Cases
Step 3
Gather evidence that shows the other parent is unfit and evidence that shows you are a great parent.
Step 4
Take photographs. Photographic evidence is very persuasive. Take photos of abuse or neglect by the other parent. Take photos of the other parent's home, of your home, and of your child's room.
Step 5
Keep a log or journal. Date each page. Record events pertaining to your child in detail. Write down the horrible or neglectful things the other parent does and write down the wonderful things you do with your child. Write down what the child tells you happens with the other parent. Include any information about meals, bedtimes, baths, etc. that shows how the child was cared for by the other parent.
Step 6
Keep track of any visitation that occurs. Write down dates, pick-up and drop-off times and information about what happened during visitation.
Step 7
Talk to family and friends. Determine if any of them have helpful firsthand knowledge about the situation. Ask those that do to testify for you in court.
Step 8
Hold on to report cards, counseling reports, medical records, letters or any other written evidence that pertains to your child's health or well-being.
Step 9
Preserve items such as children's clothes that clearly show neglect or abuse (bloodstains, rips, tears, etc.).
Create witnesses. Get other people to witness things so that it is not your word against the other parent's. For example, if the other parent is routinely one hour late to pick up your child for visitation, have a friend with you the next few times so that someone else can testify about this to the court.
Tips
- Don't bother with evidence that shows the other parent is rude to your mother, late on car payments or a former juvenile delinquent. Focus on evidence that has to do with parenting abilities.
- Evidence of drug or alcohol abuse is always relevant, especially if it is recent.
- Evidence of domestic violence is also important, because it shows the court that the child could be in danger.
Warnings
- Custody cases are serious business. You could potentially lose all of your rights to see your child. Seek legal assistance.
- Do not create or manufacture evidence. This is a criminal offense.
Writer Bio
This article was written by Legal Beagle staff. If you have any questions, please reach out to us on our contact us page.